Burglars beware! How to properly protect your home!

Burglars beware! How to properly protect your home!

On October 26th, the annual burglary protection day, attention is drawn to the increasing number of burglaries and the need to protect one's own home. The dark season is approaching and with it the increased risk of break-ins. According to the Police Crime Statistics (PKS) 2024, there were a total of 78,436 residential burglaries in Germany, a slight increase of 0.8% compared to the previous year. On average, a break-in occurs every seven minutes - an alarming number that calls for action. The day reminds us that a well-secured home can not only prevent material damage, but also greatly strengthens the feeling of security. [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/donauwoerth/tag-des-einbruchschutz-tipps-und-technik-helfer-das-zuhause-sicherer-zu-machen-112564348) reports that the consequences of a break-in are often devastating: chaos in your own four walls, loss of personal belongings and a deep feeling of powerlessness.

Especially during the transition to winter, it is important to focus on your own safety. Unlit houses often signal absence and increase the risk of burglary. It is therefore recommended that doors are always locked and climbing aids such as ladders or garbage cans are securely locked away. An excellent measure is to control lights using a timer to give the impression that someone is home. In addition, friends or neighbors help by putting up roller shutters or emptying mailboxes while you are not there.

Preventive measures

Mechanics play a crucial role in burglary prevention. Efficient security technology can prevent up to 90% of break-ins. Measures such as lockable window handles, mushroom head locks and burglary-resistant locking cylinders are essential. For new buildings and renovations, it is recommended to integrate burglary-resistant windows and doors. Electronic systems such as intercom systems or burglar alarm systems should also be considered. Emergency Call Experts highlights that more than 35,800 break-ins in recent years were only attempts - a clear sign that preventive measures are already having an effect.

In urban areas the risk of break-ins is up to three times higher than in rural areas. Cities with over 500,000 residents experienced over 24,000 burglaries. It is therefore all the more important to take local conditions into account and find suitable security solutions. An alarm connection to a certified emergency call and service control center is a central component of modern security solutions, which ensures quick support in an emergency. This was documented in detail in the PKS 2024.

Psychological effects of burglaries

The psychological consequences of a break-in should not be underestimated. Victims often feel a mixture of shock, sadness and uncertainty. Statista points out that tenants are not only confronted with material damage, but their sense of security and privacy are also significantly impaired. The clearance rate for residential burglaries is currently 15.3%, which shows that most cases remain unsolved and there is high pressure on the police to find a more effective solution.

For anyone who wants to better protect their home, the “Home Safe” prevention sticker offers excellent guidance. This badge signals to potential burglars that it is not worth attempting to break in. Anyone interested can find information about the installation of recommended security technology and the most important preventative measures on the website home-safe.de.